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[Congressional Bills 118th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 9076 Enrolled Bill (ENR)]

        H.R.9076

                     One Hundred Eighteenth Congress

                                 of the

                        United States of America

                          AT THE SECOND SESSION

         Begun and held at the City of Washington on Wednesday,
         the third day of January, two thousand and twenty-four

                                 An Act

 
 To reauthorize child welfare programs under part B of title IV of the 
 Social Security Act and strengthen the State and tribal child support 
 enforcement program under part D of such title, and for other purposes.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
    This Act may be cited as the ``Supporting America's Children and 
Families Act''.

        TITLE I--CHILD WELFARE REAUTHORIZATION AND MODERNIZATION

    SEC. 101. SHORT TITLE; REFERENCES.
    (a) Short Title.--This title may be cited as the ``Protecting 
America's Children by Strengthening Families Act''.
    (b) References.--Except as otherwise expressly provided, wherever 
in this title an amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an 
amendment to, or repeal of, a section or other provision, the reference 
shall be considered to be made to that section or other provision of 
the Social Security Act.
    SEC. 102. TABLE OF CONTENTS.
    The table of contents of this title is as follows:
Sec. 101. Short title; references.
Sec. 102. Table of contents.
Sec. 103. Reauthorization of child welfare programs.
Sec. 104. Enhancements to the court improvement program.
Sec. 105. Expanding regional partnership grants to address parental 
          substance use disorder as cause of child removal.
Sec. 106. Modernization; reducing administrative burden.
Sec. 107. Streamlining funding for Indian tribes.
Sec. 108. Accelerating access to Family First prevention services.
Sec. 109. Strengthening support for youth aging out of foster care.
Sec. 110. Recognizing the importance of relative and kinship caregivers.
Sec. 111. Avoiding neglect by addressing poverty.
Sec. 112. Strengthening support for caseworkers.
Sec. 113. Demonstration projects for improving relationships between 
          incarcerated parents and children in foster care.
Sec. 114. Guidance to States on improving data collection and reporting 
          for youth in residential treatment programs.
Sec. 115. Streamlining research, training, and technical assistance 
          funding.
Sec. 116. Report on post adoption and subsidized guardianship services.
Sec. 117. Effective date.
    SEC. 103. REAUTHORIZATION OF CHILD WELFARE PROGRAMS.
    (a) Reauthorization of Subpart 1; Discretionary Funding.--Section 
425 (42 U.S.C. 625) is amended by striking ``2017 through 2023'' and 
inserting ``2025 through 2029''.
    (b) Reauthorization of Subpart 2; Enhanced Support.--Section 436(a) 
(42 U.S.C. 629f(a)) is amended by striking ``each of fiscal years 2017 
through 2023'' and inserting ``fiscal year 2025 and $420,000,000 for 
each of fiscal years 2026 through 2029''.
    (c) Reauthorization of Subpart 2; Discretionary Funding.--Section 
437(a) (42 U.S.C. 629g(a)) is amended by striking ``2017 through 2023'' 
and inserting ``2025 through 2029''.
    (d) Funding Limitation.--Section 423(a)(2)(A) (42 U.S.C. 
623(a)(2)(A)) is amended by inserting ``, not to exceed $10,000,000'' 
before the semicolon.
    SEC. 104. ENHANCEMENTS TO THE COURT IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM.
    (a) Increase in Reservation of Funds.--Section 436(b)(2) (42 U.S.C. 
629f(b)(2)) is amended by inserting ``for fiscal year 2025 and 
$40,000,000 for fiscal year 2026 and each succeeding fiscal year'' 
before ``for grants''.
    (b) Extension of State Match Requirement.--Section 438(d) (42 
U.S.C. 629h(d)) is amended by striking ``2017 through 2023'' and 
inserting ``2025 through 2029''.
    (c) Program Improvements.--Section 438(a) (42 U.S.C. 629h(a)) is 
amended--
        (1) in paragraph (1), by adding at the end the following:
            ``(F) that determine the appropriateness and best practices 
        for use of technology to conduct remote hearings, subject to 
        participant consent, including to ensure maximum participation 
        of individuals involved in proceedings and to enable courts to 
        maintain operations in times of public health or other 
        emergencies;'';
        (2) in paragraph (2)(C), by striking ``personnel.'' and 
    inserting ``personnel and supporting optimal use of remote hearing 
    technology; and''; and
        (3) by adding at the end the following:
        ``(3) to ensure continuity of needed court services, prevent 
    disruption of the services, and enable their recovery from threats 
    such as public health crises, natural disasters or cyberattacks, 
    including through--
            ``(A) support for technology that allows court proceedings 
        to occur remotely subject to participant consent, including 
        hearings and legal representation;
            ``(B) the development of guidance and protocols for 
        responding to the occurrences and coordinating with other 
        agencies; and
            ``(C) other activities carried out to ensure backup systems 
        are in place.''.
    (d) Implementation Guidance on Sharing Best Practices for 
Technological Changes Needed for Remote Court Proceedings for Foster 
Care or Adoption.--Section 438 (42 U.S.C. 629h) is amended by adding at 
the end the following:
    ``(e) Guidance.--
        ``(1) In general.--Every 5 years, the Secretary shall issue 
    implementation guidance for sharing information on best practices 
    for--
            ``(A) technological changes needed for court proceedings 
        for foster care, guardianship, or adoption to be conducted 
        remotely in a way that maximizes engagement and protects the 
        privacy of participants; and
            ``(B) the manner in which the proceedings should be 
        conducted.
        ``(2) Initial issuance.--The Secretary shall issue initial 
    guidance required by paragraph (1) with preliminary information on 
    best practices not later than October 1, 2025.
        ``(3) Additional consultation.--The Secretary shall consult 
    with Indian tribes on the development of appropriate guidelines for 
    State court proceedings involving Indian children to maximize 
    engagement of Indian tribes and provide appropriate guidelines on 
    conducting State court proceedings subject to the Indian Child 
    Welfare Act of 1978 (25 U.S.C. 1901 et seq.).''.
    SEC. 105. EXPANDING REGIONAL PARTNERSHIP GRANTS TO ADDRESS PARENTAL 
      SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER AS CAUSE OF CHILD REMOVAL.
    (a) Increase in Reservation of Funds.--Section 436(b)(5) (42 U.S.C. 
629f(b)(5)) is amended by striking ``each of fiscal years 2017 through 
2023'' and inserting ``fiscal year 2025 and $30,000,000 for fiscal year 
2026 and each succeeding fiscal year''.
    (b) Reauthorization.--Section 437(f) (42 U.S.C. 629g(f)) is 
amended--
        (1) in paragraph (3)(A)--
            (A) by striking ``In addition to amounts authorized to be 
        appropriated to carry out this section, the'' and inserting 
        ``The''; and
            (B) by striking ``2017 through 2023'' and inserting ``2025 
        through 2029''; and
        (2) in paragraph (10), by striking ``for each of fiscal years 
    2017 through 2023''.
    (c) Authority to Waive Planning Phase.--Section 437(f)(3)(B)(iii) 
(42 U.S.C. 629g(f)(3)(B)(iii)) is amended--
        (1) by striking all that precedes ``grant awarded'' and 
    inserting the following:
                ``(iii) Sufficient planning.--

                    ``(I) In general.--A''; and

        (2) by striking ``may not exceed $250,000, and''; and
        (3) by adding after and below the end the following:

                    ``(II) Exception.--The Secretary, on a case-by-case 
                basis, may waive the planning phase for a partnership 
                that demonstrates that the partnership has engaged in 
                sufficient planning before submitting an application 
                for a grant under this subsection.''.

    (d) Expanding Availability of Evidence-based Services.--
        (1) In general.--Section 437(f)(1) (42 U.S.C. 629g(f)(1)) is 
    amended by inserting ``, and expand the scope of the evidence-based 
    services that may be approved by the clearinghouse established 
    under section 476(d)'' before the period.
        (2) Considerations for awarding grants.--Section 437(f)(7) (42 
    U.S.C. 629g(f)(7)) is amended--
            (A) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (D);
            (B) by striking the period at the end of subparagraph (E) 
        and inserting ``; and''; and
            (C) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(F) have submitted information pursuant to paragraph 
        (4)(F) that demonstrates the capability to participate in 
        rigorous evaluation of program effectiveness.''.
    (e) Technical Assistance on Using Regional Partnership Grant Funds 
in Coordination With Other Federal Funds to Better Serve Families 
Affected by a Substance Use Disorder.--Section 435(d) (42 U.S.C. 
629e(d)) is amended--
        (1) by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (4);
        (2) by striking the period at the end of paragraph (5) and 
    inserting ``; and''; and
        (3) by adding at the end the following:
        ``(6) use grants under section 437(f) in coordination with 
    other Federal funds to better serve families in the child welfare 
    system that are affected by a substance use disorder.''.
    (f) Performance Indicators.--Section 437(f)(8)(A) (42 U.S.C. 
629g(f)(8)(A)) is amended in the 1st sentence--
        (1) by striking ``this subsection'' the 1st place it appears 
    and inserting ``the Protecting America's Children by Strengthening 
    Families Act'';
        (2) by inserting ``child permanency, reunification, re-entry 
    into care,'' before ``parental recovery''; and
        (3) by inserting ``, and access to services for families with 
    substance use disorder, including those with children who are 
    overrepresented in foster care, difficult to place, or have 
    disproportionately low permanency rates'' before the period.
    (g) Performance Indicator Consultation Required.--Section 
437(f)(8)(B) (42 U.S.C. 629g(f)(8)(B)) is amended by redesignating 
clause (iii) as clause (iv) and inserting after clause (ii) the 
following:
                ``(iii) The Administrator of the National Institute on 
            Drug Abuse.''.
    (h) Reports to Congress.--Section 437(f)(9)(B) (42 U.S.C. 
629g(f)(9)(B)) is amended--
        (1) by striking ``and'' at the end of clause (ii);
        (2) by striking the period at the end of clause (iii) and 
    inserting ``; and''; and
        (3) by adding at the end the following:
                ``(iv) whether any programs funded by the grants were 
            submitted to the clearinghouse established under section 
            476(d) for review and the results of any such review.''.
    (i) Priority for Statewide Service Growth.--Section 437(f)(7) (42 
U.S.C. 629g(f)(7)), as amended by subsection (d)(2) of this section, is 
amended--
        (1) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (E);
        (2) by striking the period at the end of subparagraph (F) and 
    inserting ``; and''; and
        (3) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(G) are a State or public agency, or outline a plan to 
        increase the availability of services funded under the grant 
        statewide.''.
    (j) Addition of Juvenile Court as Required Partner.--Section 
437(f)(2)(A) (42 U.S.C. 629g(f)(2)(A)) is amended by adding at the end 
the following:
                ``(iii) The most appropriate administrative office of 
            the juvenile court or State court overseeing court 
            proceedings involving families who come to the attention of 
            the court due to child abuse or neglect.''.
    (k) Additional Optional Partner.--Section 437(f)(2)(C) (42 U.S.C. 
629g(f)(2)(C)) is amended by redesignating clause (ix) as clause (x) 
and inserting after clause (viii) the following:
                ``(ix) State or local agencies that administer Federal 
            health care, housing, family support, or other related 
            programs.''.
    (l) Conforming Amendments.--
        (1) Section 437(f)(2)(D) (42 U.S.C. 629g(f)(2)(D)) is amended--
            (A) by adding ``and'' at the end of clause (i);
            (B) by striking ``; and'' at the end of clause (ii) and 
        inserting a period; and
            (C) by striking clause (iii).
        (2) Section 437(f)(2) (42 U.S.C. 629g(f)(2)) is amended by 
    striking subparagraph (B) and redesignating subparagraphs (C) and 
    (D) as subparagraphs (B) and (C), respectively.
    SEC. 106. MODERNIZATION; REDUCING ADMINISTRATIVE BURDEN.
    (a) In General.--Section 431 (42 U.S.C. 629a) is amended by adding 
at the end the following:
    ``(c) Use of Technology.--
        ``(1) Use of portal.--The services referred to in subsection 
    (a) may include the means of access to and use of an electronic or 
    digital portal to facilitate the provision of community support to 
    care for and meet specific needs of families and children.
        ``(2) Limitation.--Such a portal shall not retain or share 
    personally identifiable information about a beneficiary without 
    consent or for any purpose other than referral.''.
    (b) Allowing Support for Family Resource Centers.--Section 431(a) 
(42 U.S.C. 629a(a)) is amended--
        (1) in paragraph (2)(A), by inserting ``, including services 
    provided by family resource centers,'' before ``designed''; and
        (2) by adding at the end the following:
        ``(10) Family resource center.--
            ``(A) In general.--The term `family resource center' means 
        a community or school-based hub of support services for 
        families that--
                ``(i) utilizes an approach that is multi-generational, 
            strengths-based, and family-centered;
                ``(ii) reflects, and is responsive to, community needs 
            and interests;
                ``(iii) provides support at no or low cost for 
            participants; and
                ``(iv) builds communities of peer support for families, 
            including kinship families, to develop social connections 
            that reduce isolation and stress.
            ``(B) Special rule.--For purposes of this subpart, an 
        expenditure for a service provided by a family resource center 
        may be treated as an expenditure for any 1 or more of family 
        support services, family preservation services, family 
        reunification services, or adoption promotion and support 
        services as long as the expenditure is related to serving the 
        children and families in the specified category and consistent 
        with the overall purpose of the category.''.
    (c) Updating State Plan Requirement.--Section 422(b)(1) (42 U.S.C. 
622(b)(1)) is amended to read as follows:
        ``(1) provide that a State agency will administer or supervise 
    the administration of the plan under this subpart;''.
    (d) Access to Legal Representation.--Section 422(b)(4) (42 U.S.C. 
622(b)(4)) is amended--
        (1) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (A);
        (2) by adding ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (B); and
        (3) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(C) the steps that the State will take to ensure that, 
        with respect to any judicial proceeding involving a child and 
        in which there is an allegation of child abuse or neglect, 
        including a proceeding on dependency, adoption, guardianship, 
        or termination of parental rights, information about available 
        independent legal representation is provided to--
                ``(i) the child, as appropriate; and
                ``(ii) any individual who is a parent or guardian, or 
            has legal custody, of the child;''.
    (e) Supporting Mental Health and Well-being of Children in Foster 
Care.--Section 422(b)(15)(A) (42 U.S.C. 622(b)(15)) is amended--
        (1) in the matter preceding clause (i)--
            (A) by inserting ``and, if applicable, the State agency 
        responsible for mental health services,'' before ``and in 
        consultation''; and
            (B) by inserting ``mental health providers,'' before 
        ``other experts'';
        (2) in clause (ii), by inserting ``a list of services provided 
    to support the physical and'' before ``emotional'';
        (3) in clause (iv), by inserting ``and mental health'' before 
    ``services'';
        (4) in clause (v), by inserting ``, informed consent of youth, 
    and compliance with professional practice guidelines'' before the 
    semicolon; and
        (5) in clause (vi), by inserting ``, licensed mental health 
    providers,'' before ``or other''.
    (f) Reduction of Administrative Burden.--
        (1) In general.--Subpart 3 of part B of title IV (42 U.S.C. 
    629m) is amended by redesignating section 440 as section 443 and 
    inserting before such section the following:
    ``SEC. 441. REDUCTION OF ADMINISTRATIVE BURDEN.
    ``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall reduce the burden of 
administering this part imposed on the recipients of funds under this 
part, by--
        ``(1) reviewing and revising administrative data collection 
    instruments and forms to eliminate duplication and streamline 
    reporting requirements for the recipients while collecting all data 
    required under this part;
        ``(2) in coordination with activities required under the 
    Paperwork Reduction Act, conducting an analysis of the total number 
    of hours reported by the recipients to comply with paperwork 
    requirements and exploring, in consultation with the recipients, 
    how to reduce the number of hours required for the compliance by at 
    least 15 percent;
        ``(3) collecting input from the recipients with respect to 
    fiscal and oversight requirements and making changes to ensure 
    consistency with standards and guidelines for other Federal formula 
    grant programs based on the input; and
        ``(4) respecting the sovereignty of Indian tribes when 
    complying with this subsection.
    ``(b) Limitation on Applicability.--Subsection (a) of this section 
shall not apply to any reporting or data collection otherwise required 
by law that would affect the ability of the Secretary to monitor and 
ensure compliance with State plans approved under this part or ensure 
that funds are expended consistent with this part.
    ``SEC. 442. PUBLIC ACCESS TO STATE PLANS.
    ``The Secretary shall--
        ``(1) create a standardized format for State plans required 
    under sections 422 and 432 used to monitor compliance with those 
    sections;
        ``(2) produce comparisons and analyses of trends in State plans 
    to inform future technical assistance and policy development;
        ``(3) make the State plans available on a public website; and
        ``(4) include on the website aggregated national summaries of 
    State submissions as the Secretary deems appropriate.''.
        (2) Implementation.--Within 2 years after the date of the 
    enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Health and Human Services 
    shall--
            (A) comply with section 441 of the Social Security Act, as 
        added by the amendment made by paragraph (1); and
            (B) notify each recipient of funds under part B of title IV 
        of the Social Security Act of any change made by the Secretary 
        pursuant to such section affecting the recipient.
        (3) Report.--Within 3 years after the date of the enactment of 
    this Act, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall submit 
    to the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives 
    and the Committee on Finance of the Senate a report describing the 
    efforts of the Secretary to comply with section 441 of the Social 
    Security Act, as added by the amendment made by paragraph (1), 
    including the specific actions to comply with each paragraph of 
    such section.
    (g) Primary Prevention Partners.--Section 435(a)(2)(B) (42 U.S.C. 
429e(a)(2)(B)) is amended by inserting ``including community-based 
partners with expertise in preventing unnecessary child welfare system 
involvement'' before the semicolon.
    SEC. 107. STREAMLINING FUNDING FOR INDIAN TRIBES.
    (a) Subpart 1.--
        (1) Tribal set-aside; direct payments to tribes; exemptive 
    authority.--
            (A) In general.--Section 428 (42 U.S.C. 628) is amended by 
        striking subsections (a) and (b) and inserting the following:
    ``(a) Reservation of Funds; Direct Payments.--Out of any amount 
appropriated pursuant to section 425 for a fiscal year, the Secretary 
shall reserve 3 percent for grants to Indian tribes and tribal 
organizations, which shall be paid directly to Indian tribes and tribal 
organizations with a plan approved under this subpart, in accordance 
with section 433(a).''.
            (B) Conforming amendment.--Section 423(a) (42 U.S.C. 
        623(a)) is amended by striking ``the sum appropriated pursuant 
        to section 425 for each fiscal year'' and inserting ``for each 
        fiscal year, the sum appropriated pursuant to section 425 
        remaining after applying section 428(a)''.
            (C) Technical amendment.--Section 428(c) (42 U.S.C. 628(c)) 
        is amended by striking ``450b'' and inserting ``5304''.
        (2) Improving compliance with the indian child welfare act.--
            (A) State plan requirement.--Section 422(b)(9) (42 U.S.C. 
        622(b)(9)) is amended by striking ``Act;'' and inserting ``Act 
        of 1978, including how the State will ensure timely notice to 
        Indian tribes of State custody proceedings involving Indian 
        children, foster care or adoptive placements of Indian 
        children, and case recordkeeping as such matters relate to 
        transfers of jurisdiction, termination of parental rights, and 
        active efforts;''.
            (B) Technical assistance.--Subpart 1 of part B of title IV 
        (42 U.S.C. 621 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the 
        following:
``SEC. 429B. EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE INDIAN CHILD WELFARE ACT 
OF 1978.
    ``(a) In General.--Not later than October 1, 2025, the Secretary, 
in consultation with Indian tribal organizations and States, shall 
develop a plan and provide technical assistance supporting effective 
implementation of the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978, including 
specific measures identified in State plans as required by section 
422(b)(9) of this Act. The technical assistance plan shall be based on 
data sufficient to assess State strengths and areas for improvement in 
implementing Federal standards established under the Indian Child 
Welfare Act of 1978, including, at a minimum, the following:
        ``(1) Timely identification of Indian children and extended 
    family members.
        ``(2) Timely tribal notice of State child custody proceedings 
    involving an Indian child.
        ``(3) Reports of cases in which a transfer of jurisdiction (as 
    defined under the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978) was granted or 
    was not granted, and reasons specified for denial in cases where 
    transfer was denied.
        ``(4) In cases in which a State court orders a foster care 
    placement of an Indian child, whether requirements for active 
    efforts to prevent the breakup of the Indian family, testimony of a 
    qualified expert witness, and evidentiary standards were met.
        ``(5) Whether an Indian child was placed in a placement that is 
    required to be preferred under the Indian Child Welfare Act of 
    1978, and if not, the reasons specified.
        ``(6) In cases in which a State court orders the termination of 
    parental rights to an Indian child, whether requirements for active 
    efforts to prevent the breakup of the Indian family, testimony of a 
    qualified expert witness, and evidentiary standards were met.
    ``(b) Interagency Coordination.--On request of the Secretary, the 
Secretary of the Interior shall provide the Secretary with such 
guidance and assistance as may be necessary to facilitate informing 
States and public child welfare agencies on how to comply with the 
Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978, including specific measures 
identified in State plans as required by section 422(b)(9) of this Act.
    ``(c) Biennial Reports to Congress.--The Secretary shall biennially 
submit to the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of 
Representatives and the Committee on Finance of the Senate a written 
report on how--
        ``(1) the States are complying with the Indian Child Welfare 
    Act of 1978 and section 422(b)(9) of this Act, as informed by data 
    collected under this section; and
        ``(2) the Secretary is assisting States and Indian tribes to 
    improve implementation of Federal standards established under the 
    Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978.''.
        (3) Reporting requirements; administrative costs.--
            (A) In general.--Section 428 (42 U.S.C. 628) is amended by 
        redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d) and inserting 
        before such subsection the following:
    ``(b) Authority to Streamline Reporting Requirements.--The 
Secretary shall, in consultation with the affected Indian tribes, 
modify any reporting requirement imposed by or under this part on an 
Indian tribe, tribal organization, or tribal consortium if the total of 
the amounts allotted to the Indian tribe, tribal organization, or 
tribal consortium under this part for the fiscal year is not more than 
$50,000, and in a manner that limits the administrative burden on any 
tribe to which not more than $50,000 is allotted under this subpart for 
the fiscal year.
    ``(c) Tribal Authority to Substitute the Federal Negotiated 
Indirect Cost Rate for Administrative Costs Cap.--For purposes of 
sections 422(b)(14) and 424(e), an Indian tribal organization may elect 
to have the weighted average of the indirect cost rates in effect under 
part 220 of title 2, Code of Federal Regulations with respect to the 
administrative costs of the Indian tribal organization apply in lieu of 
the percentage specified in each such section.''.
            (B) Conforming amendments.--Section 431(a) (42 U.S.C. 
        629a(a)) is amended in each of paragraphs (5) and (6) by 
        striking ``428(c)'' and inserting ``428(d)''.
    (b) Subpart 2.--
        (1) Tribal plan exemption.--Section 432(b)(2)(B) (42 U.S.C. 
    629b(b)(2)(B)) is amended--
            (A) by striking ``section 433(a)'' the 1st place it appears 
        and inserting ``sections 433(a) and 437(c)(1) combined''; and
            (B) by striking ``section 433(a)'' the 2nd place it appears 
        and inserting ``such sections''.
        (2) Application of tribal set-aside before other set-asides.--
    Section 436(b)(3) (42 U.S.C. 429f(b)(3)) is amended by striking 
    ``After applying paragraphs (4) and (5) (but before applying 
    paragraphs (1) or (2)), the'' and inserting ``The''.
        (3) Increase in funding for tribal court improvement program.--
    Section 438(c)(3) (42 U.S.C. 629h(c)(3)) is amended by inserting 
    ``for fiscal year 2025, and $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 
    2026 through 2029,'' before ``for grants''.
    SEC. 108. ACCELERATING ACCESS TO FAMILY FIRST PREVENTION SERVICES.
    (a) In General.--Section 435 (42 U.S.C. 629e) is amended by adding 
at the end the following:
    ``(f) Prevention Services Evaluation Partnerships.--
        ``(1) Purpose.--The purpose of this subsection is to authorize 
    the Secretary to make competitive grants to support the timely 
    evaluation of--
            ``(A) services and programs described in section 471(e); or
            ``(B) kinship navigator programs described in section 
        474(a)(7).
        ``(2) Grants.--In accordance with applications approved under 
    this subsection, the Secretary may make grants, on a competitive 
    basis, to eligible entities to carry out projects designed to 
    evaluate a service or program provided by the eligible entity, or 
    an entity in partnership with the eligible entity, with respect to 
    the requirements for a promising practice, supported practice, or 
    well-supported practice described in section 471(e)(4)(C).
        ``(3) Applications.--
            ``(A) In general.--An eligible entity may apply to the 
        Secretary for a grant under this subsection to carry out a 
        project that meets the following requirements:
                ``(i) The project is designed in accordance with 
            paragraph (2).
                ``(ii) The project is to be carried out by the 
            applicant in partnership with--

                    ``(I) a State agency that administers, or 
                supervises the administration of, the State plan 
                approved under part E, or an agency administering the 
                plan under the supervision of the State agency; and
                    ``(II) if the applicant is unable or unwilling to 
                do so, at least 1 external evaluator to carry out the 
                evaluation of the service or program provided by the 
                applicant.

            ``(B) Contents.--The application shall contain the 
        following:
                ``(i) A description of the project, including--

                    ``(I) a statement explaining why a grant is 
                necessary to carry out the project; and
                    ``(II) the amount of grant funds that would be 
                disbursed to each entity described in subparagraph 
                (A)(ii) in partnership with the applicant.

                ``(ii) A certification from each entity described in 
            subparagraph (A)(ii) that provides assurances that the 
            individual or entity is in partnership with the applicant 
            and will fulfill the responsibilities of the entity 
            specified in the description provided pursuant to clause 
            (i) of this subparagraph.
                ``(iii) A certification from the applicant that 
            provides assurances that the applicant intends to comply 
            with subparagraph (A)(ii)(II), if applicable.
                ``(iv) At the option of the eligible entity, a 
            certification from the applicant that the applicant 
            requires an external evaluator secured by the Secretary 
            pursuant to paragraph (5), if applicable.
        ``(4) Priorities.--In approving applications under this 
    subsection, the Secretary shall prioritize the following:
            ``(A) Addressing, with respect to the clearinghouse of 
        practices described in section 476(d)(2), deficiencies or gaps 
        identified by the Secretary in consultation with--
                ``(i) States, political subdivisions of a State, and 
            tribal communities carrying out, or receiving the benefits 
            of, a service or program; and
                ``(ii) child welfare experts, including individuals 
            with lived experience.
            ``(B) Maximizing the number of evidence-based services or 
        programs to be included in the clearinghouse of practices 
        described in section 476(d)(2).
            ``(C) Timely completion of evaluations and the production 
        of evidence.
            ``(D) Supporting services or programs that are based on, or 
        are adaptations to new population settings of, a service or 
        program with reliable evidence about the benefits and risks of 
        the service or program.
        ``(5) Availability of external evaluators.--
            ``(A) In general.--Before accepting applications under this 
        subsection, the Secretary shall make reasonable efforts to 
        identify at least 1 entity to serve as an external evaluator 
        for any eligible entity that includes a certification under 
        paragraph (3)(B)(iv) with an application under this subsection.
            ``(B) No effect on consideration of application.--The 
        Secretary may not consider whether an eligible entity is in 
        partnership with an external evaluator described in paragraph 
        (A) in approving an application under this subsection submitted 
        by the eligible entity.
        ``(6) Reports.--
            ``(A) By grant recipients.--Within 1 year after receiving a 
        grant under this subsection, and every year thereafter for the 
        next 5 years, the grant recipient shall submit to the Secretary 
        a written report on--
                ``(i) the use of grant funds;
                ``(ii) whether the program or service evaluated by the 
            project meets a requirement specified in section 
            471(e)(4)(C), including information about--

                    ``(I) how the program or service is being carried 
                out in accordance with standards specified in the 
                requirement;
                    ``(II) any outcomes of the program or service; and
                    ``(III) any outcome with respect to which the 
                service or program compares favorably to a comparison 
                practice; and

                ``(iii) whether the Secretary has included the program 
            or service in an update to the clearinghouse of practices 
            described in section 476(d)(2).
            ``(B) By the secretary.--The Secretary shall submit to the 
        Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives and 
        to the Committee on Finance of the Senate an annual written 
        report on--
                ``(i) the grants awarded under this subsection;
                ``(ii) the programs funded by the grants;
                ``(iii) any technical assistance provided by the 
            Secretary in carrying out this subsection, including with 
            respect to the efforts to secure external evaluators 
            pursuant to paragraph (5); and
                ``(iv) any efforts by the Secretary to support program 
            evaluation and review pursuant to section 471(e) and 
            inclusion of programs in the pre-approved list of services 
            and programs described in section 471(e)(4)(D) or the 
            clearinghouse of practices described in section 476(d)(2).
        ``(7) Funding.--
            ``(A) Limitations.--Of the amounts available to carry out 
        this subsection, the Secretary may use not more than 5 percent 
        to provide technical assistance.
            ``(B) Carryover.--Amounts made available to carry out this 
        subsection shall remain available until expended.
        ``(8) Definitions.--In this subsection:
            ``(A) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity' means 
        any of the following providing a service or program or, in the 
        sole determination of the Secretary, able to provide a service 
        or program if awarded a grant under this subsection:
                ``(i) A State, a political subdivision of a State, or 
            an agency or department of a State or political subdivision 
            of a State.
                ``(ii) An entity described in subparagraph (A) or (B) 
            of section 426(a)(1).
                ``(iii) An Indian tribe or tribal organization.
            ``(B) External evaluator.--The term `external evaluator' 
        means an entity with the ability and willingness to evaluate a 
        service or program pursuant to paragraph (2) that is not 
        provided by the entity.
            ``(C) Service or program.--The term `service or program'--
                ``(i) means a service or program described in section 
            471(e); and
                ``(ii) includes a kinship navigator program described 
            in section 474(a)(7).''.
    (b) Funding.--Section 437(b) (42 U.S.C. 629g(b)) is amended by 
adding at the end the following:
        ``(5) Preventive services evaluation partnerships.--The 
    Secretary shall reserve $5,000,000 for grants under section 435(f) 
    for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2029.''.
    SEC. 109. STRENGTHENING SUPPORT FOR YOUTH AGING OUT OF FOSTER CARE.
    (a) Caseworker Visits.--Section 422(b)(17) (42 U.S.C. 622(b)(17)) 
is amended by inserting ``, and include a description of how the State 
may offer virtual caseworker visits to youth in care who have attained 
the age of 18 years and provided informed consent for virtual visits'' 
before the semicolon.
    (b) Youth and Family Engagement in Child Welfare Program 
Planning.--Section 432(b)(1) (42 U.S.C. 629b(b)(1)) is amended to read 
as follows:
        ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall approve a plan that 
    meets the requirements of subsection (a) only if--
            ``(A) the plan was developed jointly by the Secretary and 
        the State, and the State, in developing the plan, consulted 
        with--
                ``(i) appropriate public and nonprofit private 
            agencies;
                ``(ii) community-based organizations involved in 
            providing services for children and families in the areas 
            of family preservation, family support, family 
            reunification, foster care, kinship, and adoption promotion 
            and support;
                ``(iii) parents with child welfare experience, foster 
            parents, adoptive parents, and kinship caregivers; and
                ``(iv) children, youth, and young adults with 
            experience in the child welfare system, including State 
            boards and councils comprised of youth with lived 
            experience who represent the diversity of children in the 
            State to whom the plan would apply; and
            ``(B) the State has made publicly accessible on a website 
        of the State agency a report that outlines how the State has 
        implemented the suggestions of the children and youth referred 
        to in subparagraph (A)(iv).''.
    SEC. 110. RECOGNIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF RELATIVE AND KINSHIP 
      CAREGIVERS.
    (a) In General.--Section 431(a) (42 U.S.C. 629a(a)), as amended by 
section 106(b)(2) of this Act, is amended--
        (1) in paragraph (1)--
            (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A)--
                (i) by striking ``children'' and inserting ``children, 
            youth,''; and
                (ii) by striking ``adoptive and extended'' and 
            inserting ``kinship and adoptive'';
            (B) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``parents and other 
        caregivers (including foster parents)'' and inserting 
        ``parents, kinship caregivers, and foster parents'';
            (C) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (E);
            (D) by striking the period at the end of subparagraph (F) 
        and inserting `` ; and''; and
            (E) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(G)(i) peer-to-peer mentoring and support programs with 
        demonstrated experience fostering constructive relationships 
        between children and families and mentors with relevant lived 
        experience or interactions with the child welfare system; and
            ``(ii) for purposes of this subpart, an expenditure for a 
        service described in clause (i) may be treated as an 
        expenditure for any 1 or more of family support services, 
        family preservation services, family reunification services, or 
        adoption promotion and support services, as long as the 
        expenditure is related to serving the children and families in 
        the specified category and consistent with the overall purpose 
        of the category.'';
        (2) in paragraph (2)(B)--
            (A) in clause (i), by striking ``children'' and inserting 
        ``children, youth,''; and
            (B) in clause (ii), by striking ``extended'' and inserting 
        ``kinship'';
        (3) in paragraph (7)(A), by inserting ``with kinship caregivers 
    or'' before ``in a foster family home''; and
        (4) by adding at the end the following:
        ``(11) Youth.--The term `youth' means an individual who has not 
    attained 26 years of age.''.
    (b) Kinship Navigators.--
        (1) In general.--Section 427 (42 U.S.C. 627) is amended--
            (A) in the section heading, by striking ``family connection 
        grants'' and inserting ``kinship navigators'';
            (B) in subsection (a)--
                (i) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking 
            ``helping'' and inserting ``administering programs to 
            help'';
                (ii) by striking ``of--'' and all that follows through 
            ``a kinship'' and inserting ``of a kinship'';
                (iii) in paragraph (1)(C)--

                    (I) by striking ``and'' at the end of clause (iii);
                    (II) by adding ``and'' at the end of clause (iv); 
                and
                    (III) by adding at the end the following:

                ``(v) connections to individualized assistance, as 
            needed;'';
                (iv) by striking paragraphs (2) through (4);
                (v) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) through (G) of 
            paragraph (1) as paragraphs (1) through (7), respectively;
                (vi) by redesignating clauses (i) through (iv) and 
            clause (v) (as added by clause (iii)(III) of this 
            subparagraph) as subparagraphs (A) through (E), 
            respectively;
                (vii) by moving each provision so redesignated 2 ems to 
            the left; and
                (viii) by striking ``caregiving;'' and inserting 
            ``caregiving.'';
            (C) in subsection (b)--
                (i) in paragraph (1), by striking ``1 or more of'';
                (ii) by redesignating paragraphs (3) and (4) as 
            paragraphs (4) and (5), respectively, and inserting after 
            paragraph (2) the following:
        ``(3) a description of how the entity will directly fund, or 
    provide data to the Secretary for, an evaluation which will publish 
    and submit information to the clearinghouse described in section 
    476(d)(2) and which is designed to meet the requirements of section 
    471(e)(4)(C), or a description of how the funds will be used to 
    help the State transition to a program for which the State will 
    seek reimbursement under section 474(a)(7);'';
                (iii) in paragraph (4) (as so redesignated), by 
            striking ``and'' at the end;
                (iv) in paragraph (5) (as so redesignated), by striking 
            the period and inserting ``; and''; and
                (v) by adding at the end the following:
        ``(6) if the entity is a State, local or tribal child welfare 
    agency--
            ``(A) documentation of support from a relevant community-
        based organization with experience serving kinship families 
        when applicable; or
            ``(B) a description of how the organization plans to 
        coordinate its services and activities with those offered by 
        the relevant community-based organizations.'';
            (D) by striking subsection (d) and inserting the following:
    ``(d) Federal Share.--An entity to which a grant is made under this 
section may use the grant to pay not more than 75 percent of the cost 
of the activities to be carried out by the entity pursuant to this 
section.'';
            (E) in subsection (g)--
                (i) by striking all that precedes ``2 percent'' and 
            inserting the following:
    ``(g) Reservation of Funds for Technical Assistance.--The Secretary 
may reserve''; and
                (ii) by striking ``subsection (h)'' the 2nd place it 
            appears and inserting ``section 437(b)(6)''; and
            (F) by striking subsection (h).
        (2) Reservation of discretionary funds.--Section 437(b) (42 
    U.S.C. 629g(b)), as amended by section 108(b) of this Act, is 
    amended by adding at the end the following:
        ``(6) Kinship navigators.--The Secretary shall reserve 
    $10,000,000 for grants under section 427 for each of fiscal years 
    2026 through 2029.''.
        (3) Conforming amendment.--Section 474(a)(7) (42 U.S.C. 
    674(a)(7)) is amended by striking ``427(a)(1)'' and inserting 
    ``427(a)''.
    SEC. 111. AVOIDING NEGLECT BY ADDRESSING POVERTY.
    (a) Family Preservation Services.--Section 431(a)(1) (42 U.S.C. 
629a(a)(1)), as amended by section 110(a)(1) of this Act, is amended--
        (1) in subparagraph (F), by striking ``and'' after the 
    semicolon;
        (2) in subparagraph (G), by striking the period and inserting 
    ``; and''; and
        (3) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(H)(i) services providing nonrecurring short term 
        benefits (including supports related to housing instability, 
        utilities, transportation, and food assistance, among other 
        basic needs) that address immediate needs related to a specific 
        crisis, situation, or event affecting the ability of a child to 
        remain in a home established for the child that is not intended 
        to meet an ongoing need; and
            ``(ii) for purposes of this subpart, an expenditure for a 
        service described in clause (i) may be treated as an 
        expenditure for any 1 or more of family support services, 
        family preservation services, family reunification services, or 
        adoption promotion and support services as long as the 
        expenditure is related to serving the children and families in 
        the specified category and consistent with the overall purpose 
        of the category.''.
    (b) State Plan Requirements.--Section 432(a) (42 U.S.C. 629b(a)) is 
amended--
        (1) in paragraph (9), by striking ``and'' after the semicolon;
        (2) in paragraph (10), by striking the period and inserting ``; 
    and''; and
        (3) by adding at the end the following:
        ``(11) provides a description of policies in place, including 
    training for employees, to address child welfare reports and 
    investigations of neglect concerning the living arrangements or 
    subsistence needs of a child with the goal to prevent the 
    separation of a child from a parent of the child solely due to 
    poverty, to ensure access to services described in section 
    431(a)(1)(H).''.
    SEC. 112. STRENGTHENING SUPPORT FOR CASEWORKERS.
    (a) Reauthorization of, and Increase in Funding for, Caseworker 
Visits.--Section 436(b)(4)(A) (42 U.S.C. 629f(b)(4)(A)) is amended by 
striking ``each of fiscal years 2017 through 2023'' and inserting 
``fiscal year 2025 and $26,000,000 for fiscal year 2026 and each 
succeeding fiscal year''.
    (b) Minimum Grant Amount.--Section 433(e) (42 U.S.C. 629c(e)) is 
amended by striking paragraphs (1) and (2) and inserting the following:
        ``(1) Base allotment.--From the amount reserved pursuant to 
    section 436(b)(4)(A) for any fiscal year, the Secretary shall first 
    allot to each State (other than an Indian tribe) that has provided 
    to the Secretary such documentation as may be necessary to verify 
    that the jurisdiction has complied with section 436(b)(4)(B)(ii) 
    during the fiscal year, a base allotment of $100,000, and shall 
    then allot to each of those States an amount determined in 
    paragraph (2) or (3) of this subsection, as applicable.
        ``(2) Territories.--From the amount reserved pursuant to 
    section 436(b)(4)(A) for any fiscal year that remains after 
    applying paragraph (1) of this subsection for the fiscal year, the 
    Secretary shall allot to each jurisdiction specified in subsection 
    (b) of this section to which a base allotment is made under such 
    paragraph (1) an amount determined in the same manner as the 
    allotment to each of such jurisdictions is determined under section 
    423 (without regard to the initial allotment of $70,000 to each 
    State).
        ``(3) Other states.--From the amount reserved pursuant to 
    section 436(b)(4)(A) for any fiscal year that remains after 
    applying paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection for the fiscal 
    year, the Secretary shall allot to each State (other than an Indian 
    tribe) not specified in subsection (b) of this section to which a 
    base allotment was made under paragraph (1) of this subsection an 
    amount equal to such remaining amount multiplied by the 
    supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits percentage of 
    the State (as defined in subsection (c)(2) of this section) for the 
    fiscal year, except that in applying subsection (c)(2)(A) of this 
    section, `subsection (e)(3)' shall be substituted for `such 
    paragraph (1)'.''.
    (c) Requirement to Use Funds to Improve Quality of Caseworker 
Visits With Foster Children.--Section 436(b)(4)(B)(i) (42 U.S.C. 
629f(b)(4)(B)(i)) is amended to read as follows:
                ``(i) In general.--A State to which an amount is paid 
            from amounts reserved under subparagraph (A) shall use the 
            amount to improve the quality of monthly caseworker visits 
            with children who are in foster care under the 
            responsibility of the State, with an emphasis on--

                    ``(I) reducing caseload ratios and the 
                administrative burden on caseworkers, to improve 
                caseworker decision making on the safety, permanency, 
                and well-being of foster children and on activities 
                designed to increase retention, recruitment, and 
                training of caseworkers;
                    ``(II) implementing technology solutions to 
                streamline caseworker duties and modernize systems, 
                ensuring improved efficiency and effectiveness in child 
                welfare services;
                    ``(III) improving caseworker safety;
                    ``(IV) mental health resources to support 
                caseworker well-being, including peer-to-peer support 
                programs; and
                    ``(V) recruitment campaigns aimed at attracting 
                qualified caseworker candidates.''.

    (d) Elimination of Cost-share Penalty Tied to Monthly Caseworker 
Visit Standard.--Section 424(f) (42 U.S.C. 624(f)) is amended--
        (1) by striking ``(1)(A)''; and
        (2) by striking paragraphs (1)(B) and (2).
    SEC. 113. DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS FOR IMPROVING RELATIONSHIPS 
      BETWEEN INCARCERATED PARENTS AND CHILDREN IN FOSTER CARE.
    (a) In General.--Section 439 (42 U.S.C. 629i) is amended to read as 
follows:
    ``SEC. 439. STATE PARTNERSHIP PLANNING AND DEMONSTRATION GRANTS TO 
      SUPPORT MEANINGFUL RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN FOSTER CHILDREN AND THE 
      INCARCERATED PARENTS OF THE CHILDREN.
    ``(a) Authority.--
        ``(1) In general.--The Secretary may make demonstration grants 
    to eligible State partnerships to develop, implement, and provide 
    support for programs that enable and sustain meaningful 
    relationships between covered foster children and the incarcerated 
    parents of the children.
        ``(2) Payment of annual installments.--The Secretary shall pay 
    each demonstration grant in 5 annual installments.
        ``(3) 1-year planning grants.--The Secretary may make a 
    planning grant to a recipient of a demonstration grant, to be paid 
    to the recipient 1 year before payment of the 1st annual 
    installment of the demonstration grant and in an amount not greater 
    than any installment of the demonstration grant, if--
            ``(A) the recipient includes a request for a planning grant 
        in the application under subsection (c); and
            ``(B) the Secretary determines that a planning grant would 
        assist the recipient and improve the effectiveness of the 
        demonstration grant.
    ``(b) Eligible State Partnership Defined.--
        ``(1) In general.--In this section, the term `eligible State 
    partnership' means an agreement entered into by, at a minimum, the 
    following:
            ``(A) The State child welfare agency responsible for the 
        administration of the State plans under this part.
            ``(B) The State agency responsible for adult corrections.
        ``(2) Additional partners.--For purposes of this section, an 
    eligible State partnership may include any entity with experience 
    in serving incarcerated parents and their children.
        ``(3) Partnerships entered into by indian tribes or tribal 
    consortia.--Notwithstanding paragraph (1), if an Indian tribe or 
    tribal consortium enters into a partnership pursuant to this 
    section that does not consist solely of tribal child welfare 
    agencies (or a consortium of the agencies), the partnership shall 
    be considered an eligible State partnership for purposes of this 
    section.
    ``(c) Application Requirements.--An eligible State partnership 
seeking a demonstration grant under this section to carry out a program 
described in subsection (a)(1) shall submit an application to the 
Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information 
as the Secretary may require. The application shall include the 
following:
        ``(1) A summary of the program, including how the program will 
    support a meaningful relationship between a covered foster child 
    and an incarcerated parent of the child.
        ``(2) A description of the activities to be carried out by the 
    program, which must include all of the activities described in 
    subsection (d) that are in the best interest of the covered foster 
    child.
        ``(3) A framework for identifying--
            ``(A) each covered foster child eligible for services under 
        the program, including, to the extent practicable, coordination 
        of data between relevant State child welfare agencies and court 
        systems; and
            ``(B) the roles and responsibilities of the entities in the 
        partnership.
        ``(4) Documentation that the applicant is an eligible State 
    partnership.
        ``(5) Assurances that the applicant will participate fully in 
    the evaluation described in subsection (f)(2) and shall maintain 
    records for the program, including demographic information 
    disaggregated by relevant characteristics with respect to covered 
    foster children and incarcerated parents who participate in the 
    program.
    ``(d) Program Activities.--To the extent that the activities are in 
the best interest of the covered foster child, the activities referred 
to in subsection (c)(2) shall include the following:
        ``(1) Revision of policies.--Through consultation with 
    incarcerated parents and their families, grantees shall promote 
    organizational policies of participating child welfare entities and 
    collaborating correctional facilities to promote meaningful 
    relationships through regular and developmentally appropriate 
    communication and visitation between covered foster children and 
    the incarcerated parents, including, when appropriate, the 
    following:
            ``(A) For child welfare entities--
                ``(i) inclusion of parents in case planning and 
            decision making for children;
                ``(ii) regular sharing of information and responses to 
            requests for information between caseworkers and 
            incarcerated parents with respect to the case information 
            of a child, any changes to a case, permanency plans, 
            requirements to maintain parental rights, and any efforts 
            to terminate parental rights;
                ``(iii) appropriate opportunities for incarcerated 
            parents to demonstrate their relationship with a covered 
            foster child given their incarceration, including training 
            and courses required for a service plan; and
                ``(iv) the enhanced visitation described in paragraph 
            (2).
            ``(B) For correctional facilities, fostering visitation and 
        communication that is developmentally appropriate in terms of--
                ``(i) the nature of communication and visitation, 
            including--

                    ``(I) the ability to physically touch parents;
                    ``(II) engaging with parents in locations that are 
                appropriate for the age and development of the child;
                    ``(III) exchanging items that are appropriate to 
                the age and development of the child, include 
                expectations that are appropriate for the age and 
                development of the child related to behavior, attire, 
                and wait times; and
                    ``(IV) allowing appropriate adults to bring 
                children if legal guardians are not available to 
                promote regular contact;

                ``(ii) reasonable inclusion of all children of the 
            parent;
                ``(iii) communication and visitation at times when the 
            children are available;
                ``(iv) security procedures to comfort children and be 
            minimally invasive; and
                ``(v) promoting parent-child relationships regardless 
            of the sentence imposed on the parent.
        ``(2) Enhanced visitation.--
            ``(A) Grantees shall facilitate weekly communication and, 
        for at least 9 days each year, in-person visitation between a 
        covered foster child and any incarcerated parent of the child.
            ``(B) Electronic visitation (such as live video visits, 
        phone calls, and recorded books) may be used but shall not be 
        the sole method to promote a meaningful relationship for 
        purposes of the grant.
            ``(C) Enhanced visitation programs shall--
                ``(i) integrate best practices for visitation programs 
            with incarcerated parents and their children;
                ``(ii) adopt developmentally appropriate visitation 
            policies and procedures such as those described in 
            paragraph (1)(B);
                ``(iii) reduce or eliminate the cost of developmentally 
            appropriate communication and visitation for the covered 
            foster child, which may include the purchase of 
            communication technology, covering transportation, 
            insurance, and lodging costs, costs related to providing 
            appropriate visitation spaces and activities, and other 
            relevant costs;
                ``(iv) to the extent practicable, integrate appropriate 
            parenting education to help prepare and process visits; and
                ``(v) avoid restricting visitation and communication as 
            a punishment for the incarcerated parents.
        ``(3) Training.--Grantees shall incorporate ongoing training 
    for child welfare workers, correctional facility staff, and other 
    program providers to understand the importance of promoting 
    meaningful relationships between children and incarcerated parents.
        ``(4) Case management.--Grantees shall provide case management 
    services for the incarcerated parents of a covered foster child to 
    promote the relationship, access to services, and coordination with 
    the caseworkers of the covered foster child to strengthen the 
    relationship.
        ``(5) Legal assistance.--Grantees shall facilitate access to 
    necessary legal services and may use grant funds for services that 
    are not reimbursable under other Federal programs.
    ``(e) Federal Share.--The Federal share of the cost of any activity 
carried out using a grant made under this section shall be not greater 
than 75 percent.
    ``(f) Technical Assistance, Evaluations, and Reports.--
        ``(1) Technical assistance.--The Secretary shall provide 
    technical assistance with respect to grants under this section, 
    including by--
            ``(A) assisting grantees in understanding best practices in 
        promoting meaningful relationships between incarcerated parents 
        and their children as well as consulting with appropriate 
        stakeholders when developing their programs;
            ``(B) assisting grantees with establishing and analyzing 
        implementation and performance indicators; and
            ``(C) conducting an annual technical assistance and 
        training meeting and an annual grantee meeting so that grantees 
        can learn from the experiences of other grantees.
        ``(2) Evaluations.--The Secretary shall conduct an evaluation 
    of program outcomes, including with respect to parent and child 
    well-being, parent-child interactions, parental involvement, 
    awareness of child development and parenting practices, placement 
    stability, and termination of parental rights with respect to 
    covered foster children and incarcerated parents, to measure 
    program effectiveness, as determined by the Secretary, and identify 
    opportunities for improved program practices and implementation.
        ``(3) Reports to the congress.--
            ``(A) Initial report.--Not later than 3 years after the 
        date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary shall 
        submit to the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of 
        Representatives and the Committee on Finance of the Senate a 
        report that includes--
                ``(i) the number of applications for grants under this 
            section;
                ``(ii) the number of grants awarded, and the amounts 
            for each grant; and
                ``(iii) information on the grants, including--

                    ``(I) interim results of the evaluation described 
                in paragraph (2);
                    ``(II) disaggregated data on covered foster 
                children and incarcerated parents;
                    ``(III) information on the composition of eligible 
                State partnerships;
                    ``(IV) best practices for facilitating meaningful 
                relationships between covered foster children and 
                incarcerated parents; and
                    ``(V) barriers to implementation or expansion of 
                programs funded under this section.

            ``(B) Final report.--Not later than 6 years after the date 
        of the enactment of this section, the Secretary shall submit to 
        the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives 
        and the Committee on Finance of the Senate a report that 
        includes--
                ``(i) the final results of the evaluation described in 
            paragraph (2); and
                ``(ii) recommendations for refinements to grant 
            requirements to improve program outcomes.
    ``(g) Authority of Secretary With Respect to Indian Tribes and 
Tribal Organizations.--
        ``(1) Waiver or modification of requirements.--In making a 
    grant to an Indian tribe or tribal organization under this section, 
    the Secretary may waive the matching requirement of subsection (e) 
    or modify an application requirement imposed by or under subsection 
    (c) if the Secretary determines that the waiver or modification is 
    appropriate to the needs, culture, and circumstances of the Indian 
    tribe or tribal organization.
        ``(2) Evaluation.--The Secretary shall use tribally relevant 
    data in carrying out the evaluation under subsection (f)(2) with 
    respect to an Indian tribe or tribal organization.
    ``(h) Limitations on Authorization of Appropriations.--There is 
authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary not more than 
$35,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2029 to carry out 
this section.
    ``(i) Definition of Covered Foster Child.--In this section, the 
term `covered foster child' means a child that--
        ``(1) is in foster care; and
        ``(2) has at least 1 parent incarcerated in a Federal, State, 
    or local correctional facility.''.
    (b) Conforming Amendments.--
        (1) Section 431(a)(2)(B)(vii) (42 U.S.C. 629a(a)(2)(B)(vii)) is 
    amended by striking ``(as defined in section 439(b)(2))''.
        (2) Section 431(a) (42 U.S.C. 629a(a)), as amended by sections 
    106(b)(2) and 110(a)(4) of this Act, is amended by adding at the 
    end the following:
        ``(12) Mentoring.--The term `mentoring' means a structured, 
    managed program in which children are appropriately matched with 
    screened and trained adult volunteers for one on-one relationships, 
    involving meetings and activities on a regular basis, intended to 
    meet, in part, the child's need for involvement with a caring and 
    supportive adult who provides a positive role model.''.
    SEC. 114. GUIDANCE TO STATES ON IMPROVING DATA COLLECTION AND 
      REPORTING FOR YOUTH IN RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT PROGRAMS.
    Within 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the 
Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the 
Department of Education, the Administration for Children and Families, 
the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Administration for 
Community Living, the Department of Justice, and other relevant policy 
experts, as determined by the Secretary, shall issue and disseminate, 
or update and revise, as applicable, guidance to State agencies in 
administering State plans approved under parts B and E of title IV of 
the Social Security Act on the following:
        (1) Best practices for Federal and State agencies to collect 
    data and share information related to the well-being of youth 
    residing in residential treatment facilities, including those 
    facilities operating in multiple States or serving out-of-state 
    youth.
        (2) Best practices on improving State collection and sharing of 
    data related to incidences of maltreatment of youth residing in 
    residential treatment facilities, including with respect to meeting 
    the requirement of section 471(a)(9)(A) of such Act for such youth 
    in foster care.
        (3) Best practices on improving oversight of youth residential 
    programs receiving Federal funding, and research-based strategies 
    for risk assessment related to the health, safety, and well-being 
    of youth in the facilities.
    SEC. 115. STREAMLINING RESEARCH, TRAINING, AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE 
      FUNDING.
    (a) Repurposing Discretionary Research Set-aside.--Section 435(c) 
(42 U.S.C. 629e(c)) is amended to read as follows:
    ``(c) Evaluation, Research, and Technical Assistance With Respect 
to Targeted Program Resources.--Of the amount reserved under section 
437(b)(1) for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall use not less than--
        ``(1) $1,000,000 for technical assistance to grantees under 
    section 437(f) and to support design of local site evaluations with 
    the goal of publishing and submitting evaluation findings to the 
    clearinghouse established under section 476(d), or to award grants 
    to allow current or former grantees under section 437(f) to 
    analyze, publish, and submit to the clearinghouse data collected 
    during past grants; and
        ``(2) $1,000,000 for technical assistance required under 
    section 429B of this Act to support effective implementation of the 
    Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 and to support development of 
    associated State plan measures described pursuant to section 
    422(b)(9) of this Act.''.
    (b) Elimination of Research Set-aside From Mandatory Funds.--
        (1) In general.--Section 436(b) (42 U.S.C. 629f(b)), as amended 
    by the preceding provisions of this Act, is amended by striking 
    paragraph (1) and redesignating paragraphs (2) through (5) as 
    paragraphs (1) through (4), respectively.
        (2) Conforming amendments.--
            (A) Section 433(a) (42 U.S.C. 629c(a)) is amended by 
        striking ``436(b)(3)'' and inserting ``436(b)(2)''.
            (B) Section 433(e) (42 U.S.C. 629c(e)), as amended by 
        section 112(b) of this Act, is amended by striking 
        ``436(b)(4)(A)'' and inserting ``436(b)(3)(A)'' each place it 
        appears.
            (C) Section 434(a)(2)(A) (42 U.S.C. 629d(a)(2)(A)) is 
        amended by striking ``436(b)(4)(B)'' and inserting 
        ``436(b)(3)(B)''.
            (D) Section 437(b)(1) (42 U.S.C. 629g(b)(1)) is amended by 
        striking ``436(b)(1)'' and inserting ``435''.
            (E) Section 437(f)(3) (42 U.S.C. 629g(f)(3)) is amended by 
        striking ``436(b)(5)'' and inserting ``436(b)(4)''.
            (F) Section 438(c) (42 U.S.C. 629g(c)) is amended in each 
        of paragraphs (1) through (3) is amended by striking 
        ``436(b)(2)'' and inserting ``436(b)(1)''.
    SEC. 116. REPORT ON POST ADOPTION AND SUBSIDIZED GUARDIANSHIP 
      SERVICES.
    (a) In General.--Within 2 years after the date of the enactment of 
this Act, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall prepare and 
submit to the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of 
Representatives and the Committee on Finance of the Senate a report on 
children who enter into foster care under the supervision of a State 
administering a plan approved under part B or E of title IV of the 
Social Security Act after finalization of an adoption or legal 
guardianship.
    (b) Information.--The Secretary shall include in the report 
information, to the extent available through the Adoption and Foster 
Care Analysis and Reporting System and other data sources, regarding 
the incidence of adoption disruption and dissolution affecting children 
described in subsection (a) and factors associated with such 
circumstances, including--
        (1) whether affected individuals received pre- or post-legal 
    adoption services; and
        (2) other relevant information, such as the age of the child 
    involved.
    (c) Post-adoption Services and Guardianship.--The Secretary shall 
include in the report--
        (1) a summary of post-adoption services and guardianship in 
    each State that are available to families that adopted children 
    from foster care and the extent to which the services are evidence-
    based or evidence-informed.
        (2) a summary of funding and funding sources for the services 
    in each State, including set-asides under the Promoting Safe and 
    Stable Families program.
    SEC. 117. EFFECTIVE DATE.
    (a) In General.--The amendments made by this title shall take 
effect on October 1, 2025, and shall apply to payments under part B of 
title IV of the Social Security Act for calendar quarters beginning on 
or after such date.
    (b) Delay Permitted if State Legislation Required.--If the 
Secretary of Health and Human Services determines that State 
legislation (other than legislation appropriating funds) is required in 
order for a State plan developed pursuant to part B of title IV of the 
Social Security Act to meet the additional requirements imposed by the 
amendments made by this title, the plan shall not be regarded as 
failing to meet any of the additional requirements before the 1st day 
of the 1st calendar quarter beginning after the first regular session 
of the State legislature that begins after the date of the enactment of 
this Act. For purposes of the preceding sentence, if the State has a 2-
year legislative session, each year of the session is deemed to be a 
separate regular session of the State legislature.
    (c) Application to Programs Operated by Indian Tribal 
Organizations.--In the case of an Indian tribe, tribal organization, or 
tribal consortium that the Secretary of Health and Human Services 
determines requires time to take action necessary to comply with the 
additional requirements imposed by the amendments made by this Act 
(whether the tribe, organization, or tribal consortium has a plan under 
section 479B of the Social Security Act or a cooperative agreement or 
contract entered into with a State), the Secretary shall provide the 
tribe, organization, or tribal consortium with such additional time as 
the Secretary determines is necessary for the tribe, organization, or 
tribal consortium to take the action to comply with the additional 
requirements before being regarded as failing to comply with the 
requirements.

         TITLE II--STRENGTHENING STATE AND TRIBAL CHILD SUPPORT

    SEC. 201. SHORT TITLE.
    This title may be cited as the ``Strengthening State and Tribal 
Child Support Enforcement Act''.
    SEC. 202. IMPROVING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF TRIBAL CHILD SUPPORT 
      ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES.
    (a) Improving the Collection of Past-due Child Support Through 
State and Tribal Parity in the Allowable Use of Tax Information.--
        (1) Amendment to the social security act.--Section 464 of the 
    Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 664) is amended by adding at the end 
    the following:
    ``(d) Applicability to Indian Tribes and Tribal Organizations 
Receiving a Grant Under This Part.--This section, except for the 
requirement to distribute amounts in accordance with section 457, shall 
apply to an Indian tribe or tribal organization receiving a grant under 
section 455(f) in the same manner in which this section applies to a 
State with a plan approved under this part.''.
        (2) Amendments to the internal revenue code.--
            (A) Section 6103(a)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 
        is amended by striking ``any local child support enforcement 
        agency'' and inserting ``any tribal or local child support 
        enforcement agency''.
            (B) Section 6103(a)(3) of such Code is amended by inserting 
        ``, (8)'' after ``(6)''.
            (C) Section 6103(l) of such Code is amended--
                (i) in paragraph (6)--

                    (I) by striking ``or local'' in subparagraph (A) 
                and inserting ``tribal, or local'';
                    (II) by striking ``and local'' in the heading 
                thereof and inserting ``tribal, and local'';
                    (III) by striking ``The following'' in subparagraph 
                (B) and inserting ``The'';
                    (IV) by striking the colon and all that follows in 
                subparagraph (B) and inserting a period; and
                    (V) by adding at the end the following:

            ``(D) State, tribal, or local child support enforcement 
        agency.--For purposes of this paragraph, the following shall be 
        treated as a State, tribal, or local child support enforcement 
        agency:
                ``(i) Any agency of a State or political subdivision 
            thereof operating pursuant to a plan described in section 
            454 of the Social Security Act which has been approved by 
            the Secretary of Health and Human Services under part D of 
            title IV of such Act.
                ``(ii) Any child support enforcement agency of an 
            Indian tribe or tribal organization receiving a grant under 
            section 455(f) of the Social Security Act.'';
                (ii) in paragraph (8)--

                    (I) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``or State or 
                local'' and inserting ``, State, tribal, or local'';
                    (II) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``enforced 
                pursuant to a plan described'' and all that follows 
                through ``of such Act'' and inserting ``enforced 
                pursuant to the provisions of part D of title IV of the 
                Social Security Act'';
                    (III) by adding at the end of subparagraph (B) the 
                following: ``The information disclosed to any child 
                support enforcement agency under subparagraph (A) with 
                respect to any individual with respect to whom child 
                support obligations are sought to be established or 
                enforced may be disclosed by such agency to any agent 
                of such agency which is under contract with such agency 
                for purposes of, and to the extent necessary in, 
                establishing and collecting child support obligations 
                from, and locating, individuals owing such 
                obligations.'';
                    (IV) by striking subparagraph (C) and inserting the 
                following:

            ``(C) State, tribal, or local child support enforcement 
        agency.--For purposes of this paragraph, the term `State, 
        tribal, or local child support enforcement agency' has the same 
        meaning as when used in paragraph (6)(D).''; and

                    (V) by striking ``and local'' in the heading 
                thereof and inserting ``tribal, and local''; and

                (iii) in paragraph (10)(B), by adding at the end the 
            following new clause:
                ``(iii) The information disclosed to any child support 
            enforcement agency under subparagraph (A) with respect to 
            any individual with respect to whom child support 
            obligations are sought to be established or enforced may be 
            disclosed by such agency to any agent of such agency which 
            is under contract with such agency for purposes of, and to 
            the extent necessary in, establishing and collecting child 
            support obligations from, and locating, individuals owing 
            such obligations.''.
            (D) Section 6103(p)(4) of such Code is amended--
                (i) by striking ``subsection (l)(10), (13)(A), (13)(B), 
            (13)(C), (13)(D)(i), (16), (18), (19), or (20), or any 
            entity'' in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) and 
            inserting ``subsection (l)(6), (8), (10), (13)(A), (13)(B), 
            (13)(C), (13)(D)(i), (16), (18), (19), or (20), or any 
            Indian tribe or tribal organization receiving a grant under 
            section 455(f) of the Social Security Act, or any entity'';
                (ii) by striking ``subsection (l)(10)'' in subparagraph 
            (F)(i) and inserting ``subsection (l)(6), (8), (10)'';
                (iii) by striking ``subsection (l)(10), (13)(A), 
            (13)(B), (13)(C), (13)(D)(i), (16), (18), (19), or (20) or 
            any entity'' each place it appears in the matter following 
            subparagraph (F)(iii) and inserting ``subsection (l)(6), 
            (8), (10), (13)(A), (13)(B), (13)(C), (13)(D)(i), (16), 
            (18), (19), or (20), or any Indian tribe or tribal 
            organization receiving a grant under section 455(f) of the 
            Social Security Act, or any entity''; and
                (iv) by inserting ``, (8)'' after ``paragraph (6)(A)'' 
            in the matter following subparagraph (F)(iii).
            (E) Section 6103(p)(9) of such Code is amended by striking 
        ``or local'' and inserting ``tribal, or local''.
            (F) Section 6402(c) of such Code is amended by adding at 
        the end the following: ``For purposes of this subsection, any 
        reference to a State shall include a reference to any Indian 
        tribe or tribal organization receiving a grant under section 
        455(f) of the Social Security Act.''.
    (b) Reimbursement for Reports.--Section 453(g) of the Social 
Security Act (42 U.S.C. 653(g)) is amended--
        (1) in the subsection heading, by striking ``State''; and
        (2) by striking ``and State'' and inserting ``, State, and 
    tribal''.
    (c) Technical Amendments.--Paragraphs (7) and (33) of section 454 
of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 654) are each amended by striking 
``450b'' and inserting ``5304''.

                               Speaker of the House of Representatives.

                            Vice President of the United States and    
                                               President of the Senate.
```